Find Academic Supervisors

Andrew HolleView profile

Assistant Professor

• Mechanobiology
• Stem Cell Differentiation
• Cancer Mechanobiology
• +3 more

Andrew Holle is an Assistant Professor at the Mechanobiology Institute , National University of Singapore , where he leads the Confinement Mechanobiology Lab within the Department of Biomedical Engineering . His work spans mechanobiology, stem cell differentiation, cancer mechanobiology, and microfluidics, with a focus on understanding how physical confinement influences cellular behavior. Education: B.S.E. in Bioengineering (Minor in Statistics), Arizona State University (2008) Ph.D. in Bioengineering, University of California San Diego (2013) Research in the Confinement Mechanobiology Lab centers on the hypothesis that stem cell differentiation is driven by mechanical cues during migration through confined extracellular matrix (ECM) environments. The lab develops microfluidic systems to mimic ECM confinement and studies its impact on osteogenic differentiation , cancer cell migration , and cellular condensates . Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining mechanobiology , nanotechnology , and microfluidics to explore nuclear morphological changes, volume regulation, and ligand signaling in confined cellular environments. Laboratory Members: Privita Edwina (Research Fellow) Vaishnavi Rangaraj (Research Assistant) Sriram Muthukumar (Research Fellow) Chang Ye Ji (PhD Student) Gao Xu (PhD Student) Lim Yuan Bin (PhD Student) Shinny Sunny (PhD Student) Lee Jia Wen Nicole (PhD Student) Li Yixuan (PhD Student)

Kristian HelinView profile

Professor

• Cancer biology
• Epigenetics
• Stem cells
• +5 more

Kristian Helin is Chief Executive and President of The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London, and a Professor with affiliations at the University of Copenhagen and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He founded/directed the Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), Centre for Epigenetics, and Danish Stem Cell Center. His research focuses on epigenetic regulation, cancer biology, and stem cell differentiation. Education: Ph.D. Molecular Biology, University of Copenhagen (1991) M.Sc. Chemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (1988) Research Interests: Helin's work deciphers molecular mechanisms in cancer, emphasizing epigenetic drivers (e.g., H3K4/H3K36 methylation), transcriptional control, and therapeutic targeting. His lab identified E2F transcription factors, linked epigenetic dysregulation to leukemia/lymphoma, and develops drugs targeting kinases/epigenetic enzymes. Research spans acute myeloid leukemia, B-cell lymphoma, and solid tumors using CRISPR screens and preclinical models. Publication Trends: Recent articles (2023-2025) focus on epigenetic therapy, chromatin remodeling, and kinase signaling in cancer. Key themes include targeting NSD1/KDM5C/RIOK2 enzymes, combination therapies (EZH2/DOT1L inhibitors), and metabolic regulation in leukemia. Studies bridge basic mechanisms (enhancer regulation, insulator accessibility) with translational applications. Awards: Anders Jahre Prize (2014), ERC Advanced Grant (2011), Novo Nordisk Prize (2008) Memberships: Academia Europaea, Royal Danish Academy, EMBO Leadership: Helin co-founded EpiTherapeutics (acquired by Gilead) and leads the Epigenetics and Cancer lab at ICR. His team investigates AML pathogenesis and chromatin complexes like HUSH/NURF. Grants include ERC funding and innovation prizes.

Rotem KarniView profile

Associate Professor

• Alternative RNA Splicing
• RNA Biology
• Cancer Therapy
• +4 more

Rotem Karni, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Genetics at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. He leads a research lab focused on understanding how alternative RNA splicing contributes to cancer and genetic diseases, with a strong emphasis on translating these findings into RNA-based therapies. Karni's lab develops decoy oligonucleotides, small molecules, and splice-switching technologies to modulate splicing factors and enhance immunotherapy. Education BSc in Biological Chemistry from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1997) PhD in Biological Chemistry from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel (2002) Postdoctoral Fellowship at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY (2002-2007) Karni's research explores the deregulation of alternative splicing in oncogenesis, particularly how splicing factors like RBFOX2 and S6K1 influence metastasis, DNA repair, and immune checkpoint modulation. His team investigates m6A RNA modifications for stabilizing mutant genes, with applications in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and pancreatic cancer. The lab's work is commercialized through biotech companies: SKIP Therapeutics, Andlit Therapeutics, and RNAble. Selected Research Trends RNA mis-splicing and neoantigen generation (2025) Splicing factor inhibition for tumor suppression (2023) Metastatic splicing signatures in pancreatic cancer (2023) Immune checkpoint splicing in cancer immunotherapy (2021) m6A modulation for mRNA stabilization (2023) Advising & Collaborations Karni has mentored numerous PhD and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom now hold leadership roles in academia, biotech, and medical institutions globally. His lab collaborates extensively on projects involving RNA innovation, including partnerships with the Institute for RNA Innovation. Contact Department of Genetics & Institute for RNA Innovation, One uCity Square, Room 4018, Philadelphia, PA 19104 Phone: 215-898-5072 Email: Rotem.Karni@Upenn.edu

Waldemar KolanusView profile

Professor

• Molecular Immunology
• Cell Signaling
• Signal Transduction Pathways
• +4 more

Prof. Waldemar Kolanus leads the Molecular Immunology and Cell Biology department at the University of Bonn's Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) . His research bridges immunoregulation , stem cell dynamics , and metabolic stress responses in immune cells. Unit 2 member at LIMES Principal investigator in SFB 704 and ImmunoSensation Cluster Leads a multidisciplinary lab with postdocs, PhD students, and technical staff His work focuses on intracellular signaling pathways connecting immune activation to tissue homeostasis, particularly through: Cytohesin proteins in integrin-mediated adhesion and migration TRIM71 in stem cell regulation and congenital hydrocephalus High-salt environments affecting macrophage function Publication trends show expertise in immune cell migration , genetic models , and chemical inhibition , with frequent use of mice and zebrafish for in vivo studies. Key articles explore: TRIM71's dual role in auditory development and germ cell maintenance Cytohesin family's Golgi regulation and insulin signaling Ruxolitinib's off-target migration inhibition of dendritic cells Contact details: Address: LIMES Institute, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, Bonn Email: kolanus.sekretariat@uni-bonn.de Phone: +49 228 73-62788

• Stem Cell Mechanobiology
• Bone Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• +3 more

Chao Liu is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering , Southern University of Science and Technology (2024.11–present). Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor at the same institution (2019–2024.11) and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at New York University (2016–2019) with joint appointments in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Orthopedics at NYU Langone Health . He holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (2016) and MASc in Mechanical Engineering (2010) from University of Toronto , following a BASc in Engineering Science (2008). Education : PhD (IBBME, U of Toronto, 2016), MASc (Mechanical Engineering, U of Toronto, 2010), BASc (Engineering Science, U of Toronto, 2008) His research focuses on mechanobiology of stem cells , bone tissue engineering , and functional implants . He investigates how mechanical forces modulate osteogenic and angiogenic stem cells, designs implants with micro-geometry to enhance cellular activity, and develops 3D real-time imaging modalities for bone repair processes. His work spans biomechanics , regenerative medicine , and cellular mechanotransduction . The selected publications from 2022 to 2010 reveal trends in mechanical force applications for bone regeneration, pharmacological impairments in healing, nanostructured biomaterials for stem cell differentiation, and microfluidic platforms for osteocyte studies. These works are published in journals like Bone , FASEB Journal , and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces . Scientific Awards : International Conference BME Young Investigator Award (2019), IFMRS Travel Grant (2017), ASBMR Young Investigator Grant (2016), CIHR Travel Awards (2010–2014), Ontario Graduate Scholarship (2011–2013), Barbara and Frank Milligan Fellowship (2008, 2010) Chao Liu mentors graduate students, including Zhang Jianing (2022 Master’s graduate). His lab ( https://abtrl.bme.sustech.edu.cn/ ) recruits postdocs and research assistants for projects in mechanical force applications , micro-geometric implants , and 3D imaging . He has contributed to 14 journal articles with 714 citations and presented at 6 international conferences in the past three years.

Masato KatoView profile

Professor

• Protein Phase Separation
• Low-Complexity Domains
• RNA Granule Biogenesis
• +3 more

Masato Kato serves as Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center since 2020 and concurrently as Team Leader at Japan's National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology. His academic trajectory includes progressive appointments from Assistant Professor (2004-2014) to Associate Professor (2014-2020) at UT Southwestern, with prior postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and Nara Institute of Science and Technology. 2020-present: Professor, Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern 2020-present: Team Leader, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Japan 2014-2020: Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern 2010-2014: Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern 2004-2010: Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern 1999-2004: Postdoctoral Fellow, Ellenberger Lab, Harvard Medical School 1998-1999: Postdoctoral Fellow, Hakoshima Lab, Nara Institute of Science and Technology Dr. Kato's research pioneers the biophysical characterization of protein phase separation, particularly focusing on low-complexity domains (LCDs) in neurodegenerative disease contexts. His work establishes fundamental mechanisms of biomolecular condensate formation, including hydrogel polymerization, liquid-solid transitions, and mutation-induced dysregulation in ALS/FTD. Key contributions demonstrate how C9orf72-encoded poly-dipeptides disrupt nucleocytoplasmic transport and how redox states regulate Ataxin-2 phase behavior, bridging structural biochemistry with pathological mechanisms. Analysis of his 22 publications reveals a cohesive research program centered on LCD-driven phase transitions. The most recent 15 articles (2012-2019) systematically investigate pathological aggregation in neurodegeneration, structural basis of condensate formation, and regulatory mechanisms like phosphorylation and oxidation. This body of work establishes LCDs as central players in both physiological RNA granule assembly and disease-associated solidification, with strong emphasis on C9orf72-related ALS/FTD mechanisms. Dr. Kato maintains active leadership within the McKnight Laboratory at UT Southwestern, where his team employs integrated approaches spanning structural biology, cell biology, and biophysics to dissect phase separation mechanisms. His collaborative network includes prominent neuroscience and biochemistry groups, with co-authorship on key studies in Cell, Science, and PNAS.

John A. Copland, IIIView profile

Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Molecular Carcinogenesis
• Translational Research
• +3 more

Dr. John A. Copland III is a Professor of Cancer Biology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. He leads the Cancer Biology and Translational Research Laboratory, focusing on molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and development of targeted cancer therapies. Education: PhD in Physiology & Endocrinology (Medical College of Georgia), MS in Endocrinology (Medical College of Georgia), BS in Chemistry (Columbus College), with postdoctoral training at University of Texas Medical Branch. Research interests center on: Identifying tumor suppressor genes (e.g., RhoB, TBR3, GATA3) and oncogenes (e.g., FOXO3a, SCD1, NPTX2). Developing patient-derived xenografts and live cell models for personalized medicine. Designing SCD1 inhibitors via in silico modeling for clinical trials. Recent publications highlight his work on SCD1 inhibition in leukemia and thyroid cancer ImmunoPET imaging of thyroid tumors CRISPR-identified drug synergies in cholangiocarcinoma Patient-specific combination therapies using xenograft models

• Immunology
• Virology
• Inflammation
• +5 more

Santiago F. González is a Group Leader at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) in Bellinzona, Switzerland, and an extraordinary professor at the University of Italian Switzerland (USI). He earned dual PhDs in microbiology (University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain) and immunology (University of Copenhagen, Denmark), followed by postdoctoral work (2007–2011) at Harvard Medical School's Immune Disease Institute under Michael Carroll. PhD in Microbiology, University of Santiago de Compostela PhD in Immunology, University of Copenhagen His research focuses on immune system dynamics during respiratory viral infections, vaccination, and cancer metastasis. Key areas include influenza recognition , lymph node inflammation , and immune cell behavior in vivo. He pioneered studies on C-type lectin receptors (e.g., SIGN-R1) in viral immunity and epigenetic modulators for inflammation. Recent publications highlight his work in epigenetic drug development , nanovaccines , and computational tools for immune cell tracking. His group uses two-photon intravital microscopy and spatial-temporal modeling to dissect immune responses. Scientific awards include three EU Marie Curie Fellowships (2004–2013), enabling his transition to independent research. His collaborations span Harvard, USI, and European institutions, with grants from the EU and Swiss research bodies. His lab at IRB, established via the 2013 Marie Curie Career Integration Grant , develops novel imaging approaches and therapeutic strategies for infectious and immune-mediated diseases.

Lin HeView profile

Professor

• Non-coding RNA Research
• Cancer Biology
• Stem Cell Biology
• +3 more

Lin He is the Thomas and Stacey Siebel Distinguished Chair in Stem Cell Research and Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology at the University of California, Berkeley. His laboratory focuses on understanding the biological functions of non-coding RNAs in development and disease, with particular emphasis on microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer, stem cell biology, and developmental processes. He developed the CRISPR-EZ method for highly efficient mouse genome editing, significantly advancing genetic research. Research interests include miRNAs' roles in tumor progression, metastasis, and pluripotency regulation in stem cells. His work bridges mouse genetics, genomics, and molecular biology to uncover mechanisms governing non-coding RNA functions. Current projects address miRNAs in oncogenesis, stem cell fate determination, and the interplay between non-coding RNAs and retrotransposons in development. Key contributions include identifying miRNA networks in cancer pathways, demonstrating miRNA requirements for ciliogenesis and lung development, and advancing CRISPR-based genome editing techniques. His interdisciplinary approach integrates genetic, genomic, and cellular tools to explore fundamental questions in biology and medicine. Lab website: helabucb.org CRISPR-EZ technology enables 100% genome editing efficiency in mouse zygotes Pioneering studies on miRNA regulation of PTEN, p53, and oncogene pathways

Brent PageView profile

Associate Professor

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Chemical Biology
• Drug Discovery and Development
• +13 more

Brent Page is an Associate Professor (tenured) in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and maintains a research group at the Karolinska Institute , Department of Oncology and Pathology. His dual affiliation underpins a trans-Atlantic program that integrates cutting-edge chemical biology with medicinal chemistry for anti-cancer drug discovery. Education & Training PhD in Chemistry – University of Toronto (2013) HBSc in Chemistry (Honours) – University of British Columbia (2008) CIHR Postdoctoral Fellow – Karolinska Institute, Sweden (2008–2016) Assistant Professor (non-independent) – Karolinska Institute, Department of Oncology-Pathology (2017–2021) Research Focus Dr. Page’s laboratory operates at the interface of medicinal chemistry and chemical biology , aiming to identify and optimize small-molecule inhibitors for proteins previously considered “undruggable.” Core targets include STAT3, CLIC3, NUDT5/15 and SRPK3 . The group employs cellular thermal shift assays , isothermal ligand-induced resolubilization (ILIRA) , and CeTEAM technologies to quantify target engagement and refine structure–activity relationships in physiologically relevant models of breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, leukemia and atopic diseases . Funding & Collaborations His program is supported by Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and other national and international agencies. Dr. Page actively participates in UBC’s Accelerated Translational Opioid Research Cluster and welcomes interdisciplinary collaborations and undergraduate research involvement. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committed to fostering an inclusive environment, Dr. Page mandates EDI training for all lab members and actively encourages participation from equity-deserving groups.

Pengyu ChenView profile

Associate Professor

• Nanoplasmonic Biosensors
• Single-cell Analysis
• Precision Medicine
• +3 more

Pengyu Chen is Francis Family Associate Professor and Ginn Faculty Achievement Fellow in Materials Engineering at Auburn University. His NIH-funded research develops nanoplasmonic biosensors for rapid disease diagnosis and immune monitoring, with applications in precision medicine and cancer immunotherapy. Research focuses on: Rapid diagnostic technologies for COVID-19 and other diseases Single-cell analysis platforms Nanoparticle-based cancer therapies Food/environmental safety monitoring Recent publications demonstrate innovations in nanoplasmonic sensing, targeted drug delivery, 3D-printed implants, and tumor microenvironment analysis. His work integrates nanotechnology, immunology, and microfluidics for biomedical applications.

Tobias DickView profile

Professor

• Redox Biology
• Signal Transduction
• Cellular Physiology
• +3 more

Tobias Dick serves as Professor and Head of the Division of Redox Regulation at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg, maintaining a primary affiliation with Heidelberg University's Faculty of Biosciences. His leadership spans molecular switch research within the SFB/TRR186 consortium focusing on spatio-temporal control of cellular signal transmission. Academic Background: PhD in Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin (1997, summa cum laude) Habilitation in Biochemistry, Heidelberg University (2009) Diploma thesis at German Cancer Research Center (1994) Study program in Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin (1989-1994) Research Focus: Dick pioneers investigations into thiol-based redox switches governing cellular signal transduction. His work establishes fundamental mechanisms of peroxiredoxin-mediated hydrogen peroxide signaling, protein persulfidation dynamics, and sulfur-based radical scavenging systems. Key contributions include developing real-time imaging probes for redox species and elucidating redox relays connecting peroxiredoxins to transcription factors like STAT3. Current research explores hydropersulfide protection against ferroptosis and metabolic adaptation through redox-sensitive enzymes. Publication Trends: Over 15 years of high-impact publications reveal an evolutionary trajectory from foundational redox imaging techniques (2008-2011) to sophisticated molecular mechanism studies (2013-2020), culminating in recent breakthroughs on sulfur signaling in cell death pathways (2023). His work consistently appears in premier journals like Nature Chemical Biology , demonstrating sustained innovation in redox biology methodology and conceptual frameworks. Scientific Recognition: ERC Advanced Grant (2017) Society for Free Radical Research Europe Basic Science Award (2017) Chica- and Heinz-Schaller-Award for young scientists (2009) Marie Curie Excellence Grant (2004) DFG Postdoctoral Fellowship (1998-2000) Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes Scholarship (1989-1994) Leadership & Mentorship: As founding vice-coordinator of DFG priority program SPP1710 (2014-present) and GBM Redox Biology Study Group (2011-2017), Dick shapes national research agendas. His division at DKFZ mentors next-generation scientists through ERC and DFG-funded projects, with trainees contributing to landmark publications on redox switches and cellular physiology. Research Infrastructure: The Division of Redox Regulation operates within DKFZ's state-of-the-art facilities, collaborating extensively through the SFB/TRR186 consortium. This environment enables cutting-edge investigations into redox-controlled cellular processes using advanced biochemical, imaging, and computational approaches.

Monica P. ColaiacovoView profile

Professor

• Meiosis
• Chromosome dynamics
• DNA repair
• +6 more

Dr. Monica P. Colaiacovo is a Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, where she leads research in the Department of Genetics within the Blavatnik Institute. Her laboratory is located in the New Research Building in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Colaiacovo's research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of meiosis, chromosome dynamics, and DNA repair in the Caenorhabditis elegans model system. Her work examines how environmental toxicants impact germline function and reproductive health, with particular emphasis on chromosome segregation, recombination, and the synaptonemal complex. Her publications reveal a consistent research trajectory examining critical aspects of meiotic chromosome behavior, including double-strand break formation and repair, crossover designation, and chromosome movement during prophase I. Her laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how environmental exposures like bisphenol A and phthalates disrupt normal meiotic progression and lead to germline dysfunction. Dr. Colaiacovo's work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between basic chromosome biology, environmental health sciences, and reproductive medicine. Her research group employs advanced genetic, molecular, and imaging techniques to dissect the complex mechanisms ensuring accurate chromosome segregation during gamete formation. Her laboratory actively collaborates with researchers studying aging, DNA repair pathways, and environmental toxicology, as evidenced by publications spanning multiple high-impact journals including Nature, PLoS Genetics, and Genetics.

Xi ChenView profile

Professor

• Carbohydrate Chemistry
• Glycobiology
• Enzymology
• +7 more

Dr. Xi Chen is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Davis, where he has been a faculty member since 2003. His research spans carbohydrate chemistry, glycobiology, and cancer biology, with notable contributions to chemoenzymatic methods for glycoconjugate synthesis. Dr. Chen's work focuses on developing hybrid chemical-enzymatic approaches to synthesize complex carbohydrates and glycoconjugates, characterizing glycosyltransferase mechanisms, and designing enzyme mutants for improved catalysis. He also investigates carbohydrate-based diagnostics and therapeutics, particularly in cancer and inflammatory diseases. His recent publications highlight interdisciplinary studies linking carbohydrate metabolism to p53 tumor suppression pathways and RNA-binding protein regulation in cancer. Awards include AAAS Fellow (2015), ACS Isbell Award (2012), and NSF CAREER Award (2006). He earned his Ph.D. at Wayne State University (2000) and B.S. at Xiamen University (1994). Scientific Awards American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow (2015) Dean's Team Award for Excellence (2013) Carbohydrate Research Award for Creativity (2013) ACS CARB Horace S. Isbell Award (2012)

Chiu Ping ChengView profile

Professor

• Molecular Biology
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• +5 more

Chiu Ping Cheng is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Minnesota, USA, specializing in Molecular Biology and Plant-Microbe Interactions . With over two decades of research on Ralstonia solanacearum and its interactions with solanaceous crops, Dr. Cheng has pioneered studies on plant defense mechanisms against bacterial wilt, regulatory gene functions, and biocontrol agent applications. Current research: Plant-pathogen interactions Special techniques: Genomic screening, bacteriophage-derived proteins Key pathogens: Ralstonia solanacearum, Pectobacterium carotovorum His recent publications (2024) explore tomato cultivar resistance variation , NADPH oxidase-effector interactions , and phenylpropanoid metabolism in wild mungbean . Though no formal scientific awards are listed, his work has been featured in leading journals like Plant Cell & Environment and New Phytologist . Dr. Cheng operates from the Life Science Building R942 laboratory.